How noisy are total knee and hip replacements?

Jonathan P Simpson; Andrew J Hamer

doi:10.1177/175045891702701204

How noisy are total knee and hip replacements?

J Perioper Pract. 2017 Dec;27(12):292-295. doi: 10.1177/175045891702701204.

Authors

Jonathan P Simpson¹, Andrew J Hamer²

Affiliations

¹ Medical Student, University of Sheffield, UK.
² Lower Limb Arthroplasty Unit, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, UK.

PMID: 29328791
DOI: 10.1177/175045891702701204

Abstract

Orthopaedic theatre can be noisy. Fifty percent of orthopaedic theatre staff have features of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). In this study, decibel (dB) levels were recorded in 17 total knee replacements (TKRs) and 11 total hip replacements (THRs). Noise levels reached 105.6dB(A) using a hammer and 97.9dB(A) with an oscillating saw. Exposure to levels above 90dB (which occurred in every case) even for short time periods is proven to cause irreversible loss of hearing. Tools used in orthopaedic theatre produce impulse noises that can cause NIHL. Further investigation is required.

Keywords: Arthroplasty; Noise-induced hearing loss; Orthopaedic surgery; Orthopaedic tools.

Copyright the Association for Perioperative Practice.

MeSH terms

Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip* / instrumentation
Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee* / instrumentation
Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced / etiology*
Humans
Noise / adverse effects
Occupational Exposure / adverse effects
Occupational Exposure / analysis*
Orthopedic Equipment
Orthopedics